Valeriana jatamansi Jones inhibits rotavirus-induced diarrhea via phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway

RV (RV), as the main reason for children diarrhea under 5 years, contributes to various children diseases. Valeriana jatamansi Jones is a traditional Chinese herb and possesses antiviral effects. This study aimed to investigate the potential mechanisms of Valeriana jatamansi Jones in RV-induced diarrhea. MTT was performed to evaluate cell proliferation. The diarrhea mice model was constructed using SA11 infection. Mice were administrated with Valeriana jatamansi Jones and Rebaverin. Diarrhea score was used to evaluate the treatment effect. ELISA was performed to detect the level of cytokines. Western blot and quantitative reverse transcription (RT)-PCR were used to determine mRNA and protein level. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was applied to detect the pathological change of the small intestine. TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) was conducted to determine the apoptosis rate. The results showed Valeriana jatamansi Jones promoted MA104 proliferation. Valeriana jatamansi Jones downregulated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (AKT) in protein level, which was in consistence with the results from immunohistochemistry. Moreover, Valeriana jatamansi Jones combined with Rebaverin regulated Interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interferon γ (IFN-γ), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and IL-10, and suppressed secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) secretion to remove viruses and inhibit dehydration. Valeriana jatamansi Jones + Rebaverin facilitated the apoptosis of small intestine cell. In conclusion, Valeriana jatamansi Jones may inhibit RV induced diarrhea through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This may be a potential therapy for diarrhea.

Keywords: RV; Valeriana jatamansi Jones; diarrhea; phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B.